Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsScalp Psoriasis vs. DandruffComparing SymptomsUnderstanding the CausesPsoriasis on the Scalp TreatmentDandruff TreatmentDiagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Scalp Psoriasis vs. Dandruff
Comparing Symptoms
Understanding the Causes
Psoriasis on the Scalp Treatment
Dandruff Treatment
Diagnosis
Dandruffandscalppsoriasisare two similar conditions that share many of the same symptoms.
Dandruff is a mild form ofseborrheic dermatitisand causes white or yellow skin flakes.
This article will discuss dandruff and scalp psoriasis, their causes, and treatments for both conditions. It will also cover how to get an accurate diagnosis.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
Scalppsoriasisanddandruffare often confused and misunderstood conditions. They share some of the same symptoms, but these conditions differ. The following explains the specifics of each condition.
What Is Psoriasis?
anand purohit / Getty Images
Psoriasisis a chronic inflammatory condition that affects 1–2% of people in North America. The condition causes skin rashes with well-defined edges that are red with thick white or silver scales.
Psoriasishas no cure and goes through periods of remission and exacerbation. It can be a painful, irritating condition that interferes with daily activities.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff (pityriasis sicca) is a non-inflammatory skin condition that causes skin flaking. It is a common symptom of the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes skin irritation and redness. Research estimates that dandruff affects half of the adult population at some point in their lifetime.
Can Dandruff Lead to Psoriasis?
Dandruffdoes not lead to psoriasis. These two conditions have similar symptoms but are not the same.
Psoriasiscauses thick white skin scales that can flake. This can make the two conditions seem similar.
Scalp PsoriasisAutoimmune conditionChronicPrescription treatmentCauses dryness, flaking, skin scales, redness, and itchingDandruffNon-inflammatory conditionAcute or chronicOver-the-counter treatmentCauses dryness, itching, and flaking
Scalp PsoriasisAutoimmune conditionChronicPrescription treatmentCauses dryness, flaking, skin scales, redness, and itching
Autoimmune condition
Chronic
Prescription treatment
Causes dryness, flaking, skin scales, redness, and itching
DandruffNon-inflammatory conditionAcute or chronicOver-the-counter treatmentCauses dryness, itching, and flaking
Non-inflammatory condition
Acute or chronic
Over-the-counter treatment
Causes dryness, itching, and flaking
Scalp Psoriasis vs. Dandruff: Comparing Symptoms
Scalp psoriasis and dandruff are similar but have many symptoms that make them unique. Below is a list of symptoms of scalp psoriasis and dandruff.
Symptoms of Psoriasis on the Scalp
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Scalp psoriasis can be found in the hair area or extend outside of skin covered with hair. The symptoms can include:
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and these symptoms can come and go. Not every person will experience these symptoms.
Dandruff Symptoms
Rocky89/ Getty Images
Skin flakes are one of the most commondandruffsymptoms. Many people realize they have dandruff for the first time when they see skin flakes on their shoulders or in their hair.
The other symptoms of dandruff include:
Scalp Psoriasis vs. Dandruff: Understanding the Causes
Scalp psoriasis and dandruff have very different causes. This section will explain the causes of these two conditions.
What Causes Psoriasis on the Scalp?
An autoimmune condition causes scalp psoriasis. It occurs when someone’simmune systemdoes not work properly and tells the skin cells to grow too quickly. The new skin cells develop in days instead of weeks.
When this happens, psoriasis patches appear because the body does not get rid of the extra skin cells and the skin cells accumulate on the skin.
Why Does Dandruff Occur?
A mild form of seborrheic dermatitis causes dandruff. The cause of this condition is not entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination ofyeast found on the skin(Malassezia) and excess oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles.
Dandruff begins around puberty when hormone levels increase, and the body produces more oil. Cold, dry weather and certain hair products can worsen dandruff.
Treating Psoriasis on the Scalp
Scalp psoriasis treatment can come in many forms.
A healthcare provider will examine the rash and determine the best therapy route. In some cases, it may take multiple treatments to effectively treat psoriasis. The treatment options include:
Over-the-countermedicated shampoois the typical treatment for dandruff. There are many types to choose from, but you should look for shampoos that contain one of the following active ingredients:
If dandruff does not improve after four to six weeks, try a shampoo with a different active ingredient.
Differences Between Psoriasis and DandruffThe primary difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff is their cause:Psoriasisis an autoimmune condition that does not have a cure.Treatment can improve psoriasis symptoms.Dandruffis flaking skin from a condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
Differences Between Psoriasis and Dandruff
The primary difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff is their cause:Psoriasisis an autoimmune condition that does not have a cure.Treatment can improve psoriasis symptoms.Dandruffis flaking skin from a condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
The primary difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff is their cause:
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
To diagnose scalp psoriasis, a healthcare provider may need to take a small piece of skin to send to a lab.
Summary
Scalp psoriasis and dandruff are two different conditions with a few overlapping symptoms. They both cause skin flaking, itching, and sometimes a rash.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. Published online March 2016:33. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330Singh R, Madke B, Bose S.Seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis sicca: a review.CSDM. 2022;2:36. doi:10.25259/CSDM_38_2022American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.Nemours TeensHealth.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: causes.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. Published online March 2016:33. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330Singh R, Madke B, Bose S.Seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis sicca: a review.CSDM. 2022;2:36. doi:10.25259/CSDM_38_2022American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.Nemours TeensHealth.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: causes.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. Published online March 2016:33. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330Singh R, Madke B, Bose S.Seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis sicca: a review.CSDM. 2022;2:36. doi:10.25259/CSDM_38_2022American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.Nemours TeensHealth.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: causes.
MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.
Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. Published online March 2016:33. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330
Singh R, Madke B, Bose S.Seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis sicca: a review.CSDM. 2022;2:36. doi:10.25259/CSDM_38_2022
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.
Nemours TeensHealth.Dandruff.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: causes.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
